[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 118 (Wednesday, June 20, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 33926-33928]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-11926]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2007-28376; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-108-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 767-200, -300, and -300F
Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for
[[Page 33927]]
certain Boeing Model 767-200, -300, and -300F series airplanes. This
proposed AD would require a one-time inspection of each fuel quantity
indication system (FQIS) wire harness connector for corrosion of the
shield-to-backshell connection, corrosion on the ground jumper, and
damage to the ground jumper; a loop resistance test of each FQIS wire
harness; and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary.
This proposed AD results from reports of corrosion of the out-tank wire
harness of the spar connector backshell for the FQIS. We are proposing
this AD to detect and correct corrosion of the out-tank wire harness,
which could prevent correct grounding of the lightning shield and
result in total loss of the electrical grounding between the lightning
shield and the airplane structure. This condition, in combination with
flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and
consequent loss of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 6, 2007.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this proposed AD.
DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the
West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle,
Washington 98124-2207, for the service information identified in this
proposed AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Philip Sheridan, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-
3356; telephone (425) 917-6441; fax (425) 917-6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed in the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number ``FAA-2007-
28376; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-108-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the
proposed AD in light of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of
that web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union,
etc.). You may review DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you
may visit http://dms.dot.gov.
Examining the Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The
Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is located on the
ground floor of the West Building at the street address stated in the
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly
after the Docket Management System receives them.
Discussion
There have been several reports of corrosion of the out-tank wire
harness of the spar connector backshell for the fuel quantity
indication system (FQIS). Investigations by the airplane manufacturer
and the wire harness supplier found that the corrosion was caused by
moisture at the connection between the lightning shield, a tin-plated
copper braid, and the aluminum backshell. The moisture wicked up the
copper braid and was trapped between the ferrule and the backshell.
Corrosion of the out-tank wire harness, if not detected and corrected,
could prevent correct grounding of the lightning shield and result in
total loss of the electrical grounding between the lightning shield and
the airplane structure. This condition, in combination with flammable
fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss
of the airplane.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-28-
0087, dated February 5, 2007. The service bulletin describes procedures
for a detailed inspection of each FQIS wire harness connector for
corrosion of the shield-to-backshell connection, corrosion on the
ground jumper, and damage to the ground jumper. The service bulletin
also describes procedures for corrective action if necessary. The
corrective action is either upgrading the wire harness by installing a
backshell assembly upgrade kit, or replacing the wire harness with a
new wire harness that has an improved backshell.
The service bulletin also describes procedures for a loop
resistance test of each FQIS wire harness, and the following related
investigative and corrective actions if necessary.
If the resistance is lower than certain limits specified
in the service bulletin, the procedures include a detailed inspection
for damage of the wire harness between the spar connector and the wheel
well ground terminals; and repair or replacement if necessary.
If the resistance is higher than certain limits specified
in the service bulletin, the procedures include doing a joint
resistance test of the rear spar ground jumper, and troubleshooting and
repairing the ground jumper connection if necessary.
Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is
intended to adequately address the unsafe condition.
The special attention service bulletin refers to Cinch Service
Bulletin CN1156-28-02, Revision C, dated July 31, 2006, as an
additional source of service information for installing a backshell
assembly upgrade kit and replacing the wire harness.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes
of this same type design. For this reason, we are proposing this AD,
which would require accomplishing the actions specified in the service
information described previously.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 482 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. The following table provides the
[[Page 33928]]
estimated costs for U.S. operators to comply with this proposed AD.
Estimated Costs
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Number of U.S.-
Action Work hours Average labor Cost per airplane registered Fleet cost
rate per hour airplanes
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Detailed inspection.............. 1.................... $80 $80........................... 202 $16,160.
Loop resistance test............. 2 to 3............... $80 $160 to $240.................. 202 $32,320 to $48,480.
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Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the proposed
regulation:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the
ADDRESSES section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
Boeing: Docket No. FAA-2007-28376; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-
108-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by August 6,
2007.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 767-200, -300, and -300F
series airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in
Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-28-0087, dated
February 5, 2007.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from reports of corrosion of the out-tank
wire harness of the spar connector backshell for the fuel quantity
indication system (FQIS). We are issuing this AD to detect and
correct corrosion of the out-tank wire harness, which could prevent
correct grounding of the lightning shield and result in total loss
of the electrical grounding between the lightning shield and the
airplane structure. This condition, in combination with flammable
fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent
loss of the airplane.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Inspection, Test, and Related Investigative and Corrective Actions
(f) Within 48 months after the effective date of this AD, do the
actions in paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD, and do all
applicable related investigative and corrective actions, by
accomplishing all the actions specified in the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-28-
0087, dated February 5, 2007. Do all applicable related
investigative and corrective actions before further flight.
(1) A detailed inspection of each FQIS wire harness connector
for corrosion of the shield-to-backshell connection, corrosion on
the ground jumper, and damage to the ground jumper.
(2) A loop resistance test of each FQIS wire harness.
Note 1: Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767-28-0087,
dated February 5, 2007, refers to Cinch Service Bulletin CN1156-28-
02, Revision C, dated July 31, 2006, as an additional source of
service information for installing a backshell assembly upgrade kit,
and replacing the wire harness.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(g)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA,
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in
accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
(2) To request a different method of compliance or a different
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19.
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local
FSDO.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 13, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-11926 Filed 6-19-07; 8:45 am]
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